About | Emiko Actor

ABOUT EMIKO ISHII

Actress • Action Performer • Creative Consultant • Founder of Epika Global LLC/Epika Dance

Emiko Jane Ishii is a British-born Japanese actress and seasoned action performer whose career is defined by determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of dreams. From powerful lead roles to high-impact stunt work on global productions, she has proven that no dream is too big—and that every challenge is simply another chance to rise stronger. Her credits span film, television, and theatre, including Yakuza Girl, the acclaimed stage drama The Mistake, Marvel’s Secret Invasion, Netflix’s The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, and stunt doubling in Apartment 7A. Known for her versatility, Emiko brings emotional depth and physical precision to every role, telling stories that connect across cultures.

A lifelong martial artist trained in Karate, Eskrima, and weaponry, Emiko blends technical mastery with performance artistry. Her action expertise has shaped her work not only on screen but also as a mentor to aspiring performers—showing them that with discipline, passion, and courage, anything is possible. As a choreographer and movement director, she has brought visions to life for Anne-Marie on Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, for Nissan Formula E’s dynamic launch, and for major stages including the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony, Anand Film & TV Awards and the Asian Achievers Awards.

Through Epika Global, Emiko expands her mission beyond entertainment. The platform unites dance, martial arts, empowerment coaching, self-defense training, and international dance workshops—empowering participants to develop confidence, resilience, cultural appreciation, and artistic skill. Her Warrior Mindset coaching transforms dancers, actors, creative leaders, and individuals from all walks of life, helping them push past fear, reclaim their strength, and rise after every setback. Her work has inspired communities across the UK, US, Japan, and India, building creative leadership and self-belief worldwide.

As the founder of Epika Dance, an internationally award-winning Bollywood fusion company now in its 15th year, Emiko has built a unique creative force specializing in Indian, Western, Japanese, and martial arts fusion. Epika trains dancers not only in diverse styles, but also in the skills to perform, manage, instruct, and lead as artistic visionaries. The company’s dynamic approach ensures its dancers stand out—equipped with both technical versatility and the mindset to thrive in the global entertainment industry while providing mentorship, global performance opportunities, and teaching qualifications.

With a decade of experience delivering movement and dance intervention in SEN schools, Emiko is deeply committed to inclusivity and education. She believes movement is a universal language—one that can unite, empower, and uplift communities.

As a second-generation British-born Japanese artist, Emiko champions representation for East Asian performers in a field that often overlooks diverse voices. She honours her heritage through classical Japanese dance while reimagining it for modern audiences, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist powerfully on stage and screen.

With over 23 years of experience, Emiko brings unmatched skill, creativity, and leadership to every project she touches. Whether captivating audiences on set, choreographing unforgettable performances, or guiding clients through transformative coaching, she stands as living proof that dreams are worth fighting for.

Her message is clear: no dream is too big, no fall too hard—if you rise, fight, and believe, anything is possible.

AWARDS

World Creative Hero Distinction Award 2024
GTC 100 Successful Women in Business Award 2024 US
Global Visionaries Community Champion Award 2024 US
WAGES Award Outstanding Contribution to Arts & Dance
LLF Excellence in Field of Acting & Dance
Winner 2022 Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe Award “The Mistake”
Business Enterprise Award Winner 2023
LOANI Global Award for Contribution in the Arts & Dance 2022
WAW Honorary Award 2019
Professional Practice Award The Met Film School London
LOANI Global Japan Chairperson
Finalist SHE AWARDS UK 2025 | WARRIOR CATEGORY
Nominated ONE Dance UK Awards 2021

Training & Qualifications

JKA Karate - Shodan Black Belt
Certified Self Defense Instructor - Soul Punch
Eskrima FMA Martial Arts UK/Doce Pares LA- Brown belt 1
British Action Academy - Phase 1-4
Tactical Black - Firearms
DarkRoc Firearms Training
BareArms Level 1
Motion Capture - Target 3D, Mocap Vaults CQB1 & CQB2 Training
Military Training - ROTC, ULOTC
YMCA Level 2 Fitness Qualification
EMDUK - Certified Dance Fitness Instructor
Licentiate Qualification in Bollywood Dance
ISTD Ballet Grades 1-6
ISTD Kathak Grades 1-6
Premier Global PT Course

ROSAMUNDE HUTT - Director of The Mistake

“Ms Ishii is an actress of extraordinary ability who is also a highly skilled cultural leader and a passionate advocate of creating artistic opportunities for diverse communities. This play is a complex intricate piece of theater, involving Ms Ishii in nuanced storytelling, in-depth characterisation, and multiple role playing, and demands both physical and vocal dexterity and stamina. Ms Ishii’s outstanding performance in The Mistake is receiving high praise from audience and press. Ms Ishii plays her ‘multiple roles with dexterity and differentiation’, ‘immensely talented’, ‘performed with great skill and versatility’, ‘Emiko Ishii creates a powerful dynamic with moments of both shock and poignancy’, ‘a beautiful demonstration of acting talent’, ‘the chemistry between the actors was breath-taking’, ‘very moving portrayal by Emiko Jane Ishii’ (audience reviews), ‘an amazing feat by these two actors’ (UK Theatre Web). Ms Ishii has a startlingly impressive list of talents (theater/film/television trained actress, film director, dancer, choreographer, artistic director, special action expert, wirework, firearms, martial arts) and has consistently made a significant contribution to this industry.”

Peter Spring - Director of Learning & Development, City Academy (Arts) Limited

Dance Instructor/Bollywood Company Director

I’ve always found Emiko to be dedicated, hardworking and she receives excellent feedback from our students. Emiko is an actress, dancer, choreographer and martial artist. She is a talented creative with solid business acumen who works in TV, Film, Commercials and Theatre. As a great team player, Emiko is always a pleasure to work with and is dedicated to excelling in her various creative projects - uplifting others while she does so. City Academy seeks tutors that are not only strong performers and excellent communicators but also reliable and personable. Emiko embodies all of these qualities.

Samir Bhamra - Artistic Director/CEO, Phizzical Productions

Creative Director UK Asian Film Festival

Ms. Ishii was a performer in the production, Bring On The Bollywood, playing several parts, which made her absolutely essential to the show. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and demonstrated her extraordinary skill as a performer throughout her time on and off set. Ms. Ishii's skills in western contemporary dance, Kathak, stage combat, folk Indian dance, singing, and impeccable comic timing were loved by audiences. She brought her one-of-a-kind energy to the stage, creating a presence that resulted in her convincing portrayal of each character. She was a brilliant asset during our production and a key performer in our success.

“Ms. Ishii’s outstanding and extraordinary abilities as a performer have catapulted her to the very top of the entertainment industry.”